Electrolytic cell

ABSTRACT

An electrolytic cell comprising a housing having an inlet and an outlet to allow the flow of fluid through the housing. An anode and a cathode are positioned within the housing, the cathode distal from the anode. Preferably, one or more bipolar electrolytic plates, spaced apart, are slideably positioned between the anode and cathode. Each electrolytic plate has four edges with three of the four edges securely fitted within the housing so as to form a seal with the housing. The fourth edge in a clearance position relative to the housing to form a path for the serpentine flow of fluid therethrough. The two sides of the housing, the end caps and the top and bottom plates of the housing comprise grooves. The length of the grooves of the top and bottom plates alternate in size. The alternating top grooves, alternating bottom grooves and one of the alternating end cap grooves receive three of the four edges of each electrolytic plate. The fourth edge when fitted into a groove in the top or bottom defines a clearance between the edge of the plate and the housing. A serpentine pathway is formed by these clearances and the spaces between the electrolytic plates. The fluid flows along this pathway throughout the cell.

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED CASES

[0001] This application claims priority from the U.S. provisional PatentApplication 60/441,383 filed Jan. 21, 2003, contemporaneously abandonedwith this filing.

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to an electrolytic cell.Particularly, the invention is directed to a compact electrolytic celluseful for on-site disinfection of contaminated waters.

BACKGROUND

[0003] The electrolytic treatment of sewage and other contaminated watermixtures to disinfect the water is known. The on-site treatment ofdomestic-type waste is used at those locations where there is no accessto a municipal water treatment plant or equivalent facility. Examples ofsuch locations are ships and off-shore drilling platforms. Electrolyticcells are used in the treatment of sewage and contaminated water toproduce disinfectant. Typically, a measured quantity of an electrolyte,generally salt as in brine, is added to an influent waste water stream.The waste water stream is passed through a plurality of closely spacedplanar, electro-catalytically active electrodes. As the current ispassed through, chlorine, oxygen or other disinfecting chemicals aregenerated in situ to reduce the BOD (biological oxygen demand), the COD(chemical oxygen demand) and the particulate matter suspended in thewater.

[0004] The effluent containing sea water, decontaminated waste water,chlorine, carbon dioxide, hydrogen, water and entrained suspended solidsare removed from the cell. The disinfected wastewater stream can bedischarged from the treatment vessel into a filter for removal offibrous residual suspended solids. The effluent is then pumpedoverboard. Such treatment is costly and requires the use of large andheavy, space consuming equipment.

[0005] Reference is made, for example, to the following United Statespatents disclosing electrolytic treatment of contaminated-water: U.S.Pat. No. 6,379,525 to Clement discloses an enhanced electrolysercomprising a housing having an inlet and an outlet at a common end.Electrode elements are disposed within the housing and a passagewayconnects the inlet to the outlet. An impermeable divider is disposed inthe fluid flow passageway that defines two sections which are connectedby one or more openings. The housing comprises casing members havinginner shallow depressions for receiving the electrodes. U.S. Pat. No.4,783,246 to Langeland et al. discloses a small hypochloriteelectrolyzer for the on-site treatment of sewage. The electrolyzer isuseful at such locations as ships and off-shore drilling platforms. Theelectrolyzer is operational with seawater for generating sodiumhypochlorite. The electrolyzer comprises a two-piece casing which can beopened for easy access for inspection and cleaning. Plate-like bipolarelectrodes are recessed in the casing. Seawater is mixed with thesewage, and the mixture is pumped into the electrolyzer. Sodiumhypochlorite is generated from the seawater which reduces the biologicaloxygen demand (BOD) of the sewage, and purifies the sewage. The sewageis then allowed to flow overboard.

[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 5,364,509 to Dietrich discloses the treatment ofwastewater, particularly black and gray water, produced in maceratinghuman waste, to provide reduced total suspended solids. The wastewaterincludes a liquid media comprising salt-containing substance such asbrine or seawater. The wastewater is electrolytically treated. In thetreatment the electrolysis cell contains an anode that has a surfacecoating including tin dioxide. During electrolysis, the cell willproduce hypochlorite while also reducing BOD and residual chlorinedischarge.

[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 4,292,175 to Krause et al. teaches a compact unitfor treatment of wastewater for discharge into maritime waters. Thewastewater is received in a surge or retention tank and is delivered bygravity flow or pumped to a macerator. Prior to entering the macerator,salt water on a controlled flow basis is added to the wastewater insufficient amounts to insure a high enough salt content for use as theelectrolyte in an electrocatalytic cell. From the macerator thewastewater to be treated is directed into a vertically oriented,elongated, electrocatalytic cell having a plurality of parallel, closelyspaced electrodes therein positioned parallel to the flow of wastewatertherethrough. The wastewater is directed through the electro-catalyticunit. The end electrodes of the spaced electrode plates are connected toa source of direct current sufficient to generate chlorine, oxygen andother treating chemicals in situ. U.S. Pat. No. 5,795,459 to Sweeneyteaches a small portable electrolytic cell that has an enclosedelectrode in a compartment and an exposed electrode open to anelectrolyte into which the cell is immersed. The cell is operable whenimmersed in aqueous liquid containing a chloride salt to generatechlorine or other oxidant when said exposed electrode is an anode, or toincrease the pH of said liquid when said exposed electrode is a cathode.

[0008] Water pollution control is required for any type of vessel whichmoves on the water within the territorial limits, both in the UnitedStates and other countries. The standards required for discharge ofeffluent into maritime waters are becoming more and more stringent interms of suspended solids content, level of BOD, COD and fecal coliformcount. The on-board treatment systems generally available today areexpensive, bulky and hard to maintain. Space to accommodate thetreatment equipment is of a concern, especially with smaller vessels. Inaddition to size, another problem with prior existing units, especiallyelectrolytic cells using seawater as its brine, is the buildup ofcalcareous solids and biomass agglomerates that develop on theelectrolytic plates and plug the cell. Maintenance required dismantlingthe cell and plates that were bolted into position and scrubbing clean.It has remained a problem to develop a compact, low weight, easy tomaintain unit which may be used for new vessels or to retrofit existingvessels

SUMMARY

[0009] The electrolytic cell of the present invention generatesdisinfectant, preferably hypochlorite, for reduction of BOD, COD, fecalcoliform count, other bacteria and suspended solids to acceptablestandards within a compact unit that is considerably smaller thanpreviously known units and yet equivalent in efficiency and production.Advantageously, the electrolytical cell is easy to maintain because itselectrolytic plates slide into grooves within the inner house walls andcan be easily and quickly removed. Another advantage of the instantelectrolytic cell is a simple, “keyed” electode connection to an outsidepower source. The keyed connection both simplifies and improves safetyfor users during onboard assembly or maintenance of the electrolyticcell.

[0010] In one aspect, the electrolytic cell comprises a housing havingan inlet and an outlet to allow the flow of fluid through the housing.An anode and a cathode are positioned within the housing, the cathodedistal from the anode. Preferably, one or more bipolar electrolyticplates are positioned between the anode and cathode. Each electrolyticplate has four edges with three of the four edges securely fitted withinthe housing so as to form a seal with the housing. The fourth edge in aclearance position relative to the housing to form a path for theserpentine flow of fluid therethrough. The fluid can comprise wastewater or other contaminated water along with sea water as its brine. Apower source is connected to the anode and the cathode.

[0011] Another embodiment of the electrolytic cell has a housing havingan inlet for the influent flow and an outlet for the effluent. The fluidto be treated is allowed to flow through the housing. The six sides ofthe housing are made up of a bottom plate, a top plate, a first end cap,a second end cap, a first side plate and a second side plate. The firstside plate defines at least one inlet and the second side plate definesat least one outlet. Additional ports adapted to receive testinstrumentation and piping connections can be defined by either thefirst or the second side or by both sides.

[0012] The internal sides of housing can comprise grooves. In oneembodiment, the grooves are located on the inner surface of the topplate, alternatively, the grooves can be positioned on the inner surfaceof the bottom plate or on the inner surfaces of both the top plate andthe bottom plate. The inner side of the top plate and the inner side ofthe bottom plate each define two sets of grooves for receiving theelectrolytic plates. The first set of grooves extends from the first endcap to a point distal from the second end cap. The second set of groovesextending from the second end cap to a point distal from the first endcap. The grooves of the first set are alternately aligned with thegrooves of the second set. The first end cap also defines grooves forreceiving a portion of the electrolytic plates and the second end capdefines grooves for receiving alternate electrolytic plates so thatthree edges of each electrolytic plate are friction-fitted within thegrooves defined by the top plate, the bottom plate and one end cap toform a seal between the plate and the housing. The fourth edge of eachelectrolytic plate is in a clearance position relative to the housing.In this way, a path is formed for the serpentine flow of fluid from theinlet to the outlet. A power source is connected to the anode and thecathode.

[0013] The electrolytic plates are slidable within the grooves forremoval from housing. No screws, bolts or similar fasteners are requiredto hold the plates in place as the fluid flows through the cell. Oneproblem with electrolytic cells, especially cells using seawater as itsbrine, is the buildup of calciferous solids and biomass agglomeratesthat develop on the electrolytic plates and plug the cell. On sitemaintenance requires dismantling the cell and plates and scrubbing toclean and remove the buildup. Since the electrolytic plates of thisinvention are not bolted but are slideable within the grooves of thehousing, they slide out of the housing for ease of maintenance.

[0014] The electrolytic plates are spaced apart to form the flow path.Each electrolytic plate comprising a front side and a back side so thatthe path of fluid includes the flow of fluid over each side of theelectrolytic plate. Preferably, the path of the fluid flow causes thefluid to pass from one side of the plate around the edge cleared fromthe housing and to the other side of the plate.

[0015] Beneficially, the anode comprises an anode terminal tab and thecathode comprises a cathode terminal tab for attachment to the powersource, the terminal tabs extending external to the housing, the firstend cap comprising at least two slots for receiving the anode terminaltab and the cathode terminal tab. Preferably, the size of the anodeterminal tab is different from the size of the cathode terminal tab andthe slots are sized corresponding to the size of the tabs. Positive andnegative wires extend between the power source and the anode andcathode, respectively. The wires are in direct contact with thecorresponding anode tab and cathode tab without the use of intermediaryconnections such as bosses.

[0016] In one aspect, the size of the electrolytic cell comprises aheight that is within a range of about 4 inches to about 15 inches, awidth within a range of about 4 inches to about 15 inches and a lengthwithin a range of about 10 inches to about 25 inches. In an alternativeembodiment, the height is within a range of about 6 inches to about 8inches, the width is within a range of about 6 inches to about 8 inchesand the length is within a range of about 10 inches to about 14 inches,preferably, the height is 7 inches, the width is 7 inches and the lengthis 12 inches.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0017]FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view, partially in section, ofthe electrolytic cell.

[0018]FIG. 2 illustrates the inside of the top plate, depicting thealternating grooves.

[0019]FIG. 3 illustrates the anode plate, depicting the anode tab andFIG. 4 illustrates the cathode plate, depicting the cathode tab.

[0020]FIG. 5 illustrates the first end cap depicting the slots.

[0021]FIG. 6 illustrates the second end cap.

[0022]FIG. 7 illustrates the serpentine path of the flow of fluid.

[0023]FIG. 8 illustrates a planar view of an electrolytic plate.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0024] The present invention relates to a compact electrolytic cell usedfor the on-site treatment of contaminated waters. On-site refers tolocations such as drilling platforms, large boats and ships.Contaminated waters can include both industrial and domestic wastewaters. For the purposes of this description, the electrolytic cell willrefer to domestic waste waters containing suspended solids. The term“domestic waste water”, in contrast to industrial chemical waste water,means the typical household-type waste which comprises human waste knownas “black water” as well as kitchen and bath waste known as “gray water.Sewage typically comprises both black and gray water. Prior to treatmentin the electrolytic cell, the waste water is passed, usually from aholding tank, to a macerating unit for reducing the particle sizes ofthe solids within the waste. The wastewater is then mixed with asalt-containing substance such as seawater in the macerating unitforming a reaction mixture. The reaction mixture is introduced into theelectrolytic cell.

[0025] Referring to FIG. 1, the electrolytic cell 10 of this inventioncomprises a housing 20, anode 46 and cathode 42 electrodes within thehousing 20 and one or more electrolytic plates 40. The electrolysis ofbrine flowing past the electrolytic plates 40 generates oxygenatedspecies and sodium hypochlorite in the reaction mixture for reduction ofBOD and COD. The sodium hypochlorite prevents the proliferation ofalgae, slime, and bacteria. The electrolytic cell can be employed at thepoint of water use, and eliminates the need for the storage of sodiumhypochlorite at such point of use. Bacterial and marine growth arereduced.

[0026] In one aspect, the electrolytic cell 10 comprises a housing 20having an inlet 52 for the flow of influent fluid. The fluid cancomprise waste water or other contaminated water and macerated solidsalong with sea water as the brine. The housing 20 comprises six sides.Bolts 33, are used to attach the six sides together to form the housing20. The six sides of the housing comprise a bottom plate 22, a top plate24, a first end cap 30, a second end cap 32, a first side plate 26 and asecond side plate 28. The first side plate 26 defines at least one inlet52 and one or more additional ports 55 adapted to receive testinstrumentation and piping connections for flushing and cleaning thecell 10. The second side plate defines at least one outlet 54 as well asadditional ports 55. Plugs 56 are used for ports 55 that not in use. Theoutlet 54 allows the fluid flowing through the housing to exit aseffluent for further treatment or discharge.

[0027] The anode 46 and the cathode 42 are positioned within the housing20 with the cathode 42 distal from the anode 46. Preferably, one or morebipolar electrolytic plates 40 are positioned between the anode 46 andcathode 42. The electrolytic plates 40 are in parallel alignment andspaced apart from each other to allow the flow of fluid between theplates 40 as seen in FIG. 7. In one aspect, the anode is a coated anode.The coating can comprise a tin oxide and a precious metal on anelectro-conductive coated substrate as disclosed in Dietrich 5,364,509,herein incorporated in its entirety. The electro-conductive coatedsubstrate can comprise a platinum group metal. Alternately the coatingcan comprise only tin oxide and a precious metal. Each electrolyticplate 40 has four edges 40 a, 40 b, 40 c, 40 d with three of the fouredges securely fitted within the housing so as to form a seal with thehousing 20. The fourth edge of the plate 40 is in a clearance positionrelative to the housing to form a path for the serpentine flow of fluidtherethrough as seen in FIG. 7.

[0028] Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 8, the internal walls of housing 20can comprise grooves 23, 25. The edges 40 a, 40 b, 40 c of theelectrolytic plates 40 slide into the grooves 23, 25 on three insidewalls of the housing. In one embodiment, the grooves 23, 25 are on theinner wall 27 of the top plate 24 as well as on the inner walls of bothend caps 30, 32. Alternatively, the grooves 23, 25 are positioned in thebottom plate 22 and in both end caps 30, 32. In a preferred embodimentillustrated in FIG. 2, the inner wall 27 of the top plate 24 and theinner wall 21 of the bottom plate 22 each define two sets of grooves 23,25 for receiving the electrolytic plates 40. The first set of grooves 23extends from the first end cap 30 to a point distal from the second endcap 32. The second set of grooves 25 extending from the second end cap32 to a point distal from the first end cap 30. The grooves 23 of thefirst set are alternately aligned with the grooves of the second set 25.The inner wall of the first end cap 30 also defines grooves 35 forreceiving a portion of the electrolytic plates 40 and the inner wall ofthe second end cap 32 defines grooves for receiving alternateelectrolytic plates 40 so that three edges 40 a, 40 b, 40 c of eachelectrolytic plate are friction-fitted within the grooves defined by thetop plate 24, the bottom plate 22 and one end cap 32 to form a sealbetween the plate and the housing. Gaskets 36 can be used for end plates30, 32 and around the housing 20 to ensure the seal. The fourth edge 40d of each electrolytic plate is in a clearance position relative to thehousing 20.

[0029] In this way, a path 27, as shown in FIG. 7, is formed for theserpentine flow of fluid from the inlet 52 to the outlet 54. Eachelectrolytic plate comprising a front side 40 x and a back side 40 y sothat the path 27 of fluid includes the flow of fluid over each side 40x, 40 y of the electrolytic plate 40. Preferably, the path 27 of thefluid flow causes the fluid to pass from one side of the plate 40 xaround the edge 40 d cleared from the housing 20 and to the other sideof the plate 40 y. Except for the small area of the plate 40 that iswithin the grooves, (the grooves are approximately ⅛ inch deep, ) atleast 95% of the surface area of each electrolytic plate 40 is exposedto the electrolytic substrate and therefore available for theelectrolytic process that produces the hypochlorite. This allows forsubstantially full utilization of the electrode 40. In one embodiment,the space between the electrolytic plates 40 is within a range of{fraction (1/16)} inch to {fraction (5/16)} inch, preferably ¼ inch.This increased space allows for lower pressure drop and easier passageof fluid through the path of the cell. The size of the cell 10 remainscompact and small without a loss of efficiency or capacity to producehypochlorite because both sides of the electrolytic plate are utilized.

[0030] The electrolytic plates 40 are slidable within the grooves 23, 25for ease of removal from housing 20. No screws, bolts or similarfasteners are required to hold the plates 40 in place as the fluid flowsthrough the cell 10. One problem with electrolytic cells, especiallycells using seawater as its brine, is the buildup of calcareous solidsand biomass agglomerates that develop on the electrolytic plates andplug the cell. Maintenance required dismantling the cell and removingthe plates 40 from the cell 10 to scrub clean. Since the electrolyticplates 40 of this invention 10 are not bolted in place, they 40 areeasily removed by sliding out of the grooves 23, 25 once an end plate isunbolted. The manufacture and maintenance of the cell 10 is easier andless costly.

[0031]FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate another benefit of the present invention.FIG. 3 depicts an anode 46 comprising an anode terminal tab 48 and FIG.4 depicts a cathode 42 having a cathode terminal tab 44. The anodeterminal tab 48 and the cathode terminal tab 44 are used for attachmentof the anode 46 and cathode 42 to a power source outside of theelectrolytic cell 10. The terminal tabs 44, 48 extend externally fromthe housing 20. The first end cap 30 comprises at least two slots 31 forreceiving the anode terminal tab 48 and the cathode terminal tab 44.Advantageously, the size of the anode terminal tab 48 is different fromthe size of the cathode terminal tab 44 and the slots 31 are sizedcorresponding to the size of the tabs for ease and safety during theassembly of the cell 10. Preferably, each slot is also keyed with + and− signs 45 as additional precaution in the assembly of the cell 10. Anexternal power source is connected to the anode 46 and the cathode 47 bymeans of the tabs 48, 44. Positive and negative wires extend from thepower source to the anode 46 and cathode 42, respectively. The wires arein direct contact with the corresponding anode tab 48 and cathode tab 44without the use of intermediary connections such as bosses. Screws orbolts connect the wires to the tabs 48, 44. An electric box 34 can beused to house the connection of the power source to the anode andcathode tabs 48, 44.

[0032] Another important aspect of this invention is its size. Theelectrolytic cell 10 is compact and yet maintains an efficiencyequivalent to larger and bulkier cells. The size of the electrolyticcell 10 comprises a height that is within a range of about 4 inches toabout 15 inches, a width within a range of about 4 inches to about 15inches and a length within a range of about 10 inches to about 25inches. In an alternative embodiment, the height is within a range ofabout 6 inches to about 8 inches, the width is within a range of about 6inches to about 8 inches and the length is within a range of about 10inches to about 14 inches, preferably, the height is 7 inches, the widthis 7 inches and the length is 12 inches. The size of the cell depends onthe amount of contaminated water required to be disinfected. Cells 10within the greater size range are utilized for bigger vessels or wheremore waste water is produced. The production of the cell is increased inthe cells by adding additional electrolytic plates 40 thereby increasingthe capacity of the cell to produce the disinfectant, sodiumhypochlorite for example. The test examples below compare a priorpatented larger cell with the compact cell of this invention.

EXAMPLE 1

[0033] The cell used for testing as the control was the existingtechnology cell depicted and described in reference to FIGS. 2 and 3 inU.S. Pat. No. 5,364,509. The size of the example 1 cell is 8½ inches inlength by 2½ inches in width (or depth) and 48 inches in height. Theanode coating is that described in this patent. The cell was operated inthe vertical position, at 11.3 to 11.8 amps, and with an effluent saltconcentration of approximately 12 grams per liter NaCl. The total flowto the cell was one gallon per minute divided equally between syntheticseawater (29 gram per liter (NaCl) brine, 1200 ppm Magnesium, and 400ppm Calcium) and standard potable service water. Operating duration was9 hours with overall voltage of 82 volts. At these conditions the celleffluent contained 235 to 250 ppm available chlorine as measured bycolorimetric titration with sodium thiosulfate. The resulting cellchlorine current efficiency was 43%.

EXAMPLE 2

[0034] The cell used for testing as depicted and described in thispatent application by FIGS. 1-8. The size of the example 2 cell is 9½inches in length by 5½ inches in width (or depth) and 5½ inches inheight. The test cell consisted of one terminal anode, one terminalcathode, and eleven bipolar plates coated with a precious metal oxide(same as the anode coating used in example 1) to serve as the anodeportion of the electrode. The cell was operated at 10 amps, and with aneffluent salt concentration of approximately 13 grams per liter NaCl.The total flow to the cell was 1.1 gallons per minute divided equallybetween synthetic seawater (29 grams per liter (NaCl) brine, 1200 ppmMagnesium, and 400 ppm Calcium) and standard potable service water.Operating duration was 8 hours with overall voltage of 48 volts. Atthese conditions the cell effluent contained approximately 297 ppmavailable chlorine as measured by calorimetric titration with sodiumthiosulfate. The resulting cell chlorine current efficiency was 46%.

[0035] The electrolytic cell of this invention, as used for test example2, is smaller and simpler in design, and yet achieves an equivalentefficiency and production of hypochlorite as prior electrolytic cells,as depicted in example 1. Efficiency is not lost by shrinking orminiaturizing the cell.

[0036] The foregoing description is illustrative and explanatory ofpreferred embodiments of the invention, and variations in the method,systems and other details will become apparent to those skilled in theart. It is intended that all such variations and modifications whichfall within the scope or spirit of the appended claims be embracedthereby.

1. An electrolytic cell comprising: a housing having an inlet and anoutlet to allow the flow of fluid through the housing; an anodepositioned within the housing; a cathode positioned within the housing,the cathode distal from the anode; one or more bipolar electrolyticplates positioned between the anode and cathode, each electrolytic platecomprising four edges, three of the four edges securely fitted withinthe housing to form a seal with the housing, the fourth edge in aclearance position relative to the housing to form a path for theserpentine flow of fluid therethrough; and a power source connected tothe anode and the cathode.
 2. The electrolytic cell of claim 1 whereinthe housing comprises a bottom plate, a top plate, a first end cap, asecond end cap, a first side plate and a second side plate, the firstside plate defining an inlet and the second side plate defining anoutlet.
 3. The electrolytic cell of claim 2 wherein the bottom platedefines two sets of grooves for receiving the electrolytic plates, thefirst set of grooves extending from the first end cap to a point distalfrom the second end cap, the second set of grooves extending from thesecond end cap to a point distal from the first end cap, the grooves ofthe first set alternately aligned with the grooves of the second set,the electrolytic plates friction-fitted within grooves in the bottomplate and each electrolytic plate in a clearance position relative tothe housing so that a path is formed for the serpentine flow of fluidfrom the inlet to the outlet.
 4. The electrolytic cell of claim 3wherein the first end cap defines grooves for receiving electrolyticplates and the second end cap defines grooves for receiving alternateelectrolytic plates so that each electrolytic plate is fitted within thegrooves defined by the bottom plate and one end cap.
 5. The electrolyticcell of claim 2 wherein the top plate defines two sets of grooves forreceiving the electrolytic plates, the first set of grooves extendingfrom the first end cap to a point distal from the second end cap, thesecond set of grooves extending from the second end cap to a pointdistal from the first end cap, the grooves of the first set alternatelyaligned with the grooves of the second set, the electrolytic platesfriction-fitted within grooves in the top plate and each electrolyticplate in a clearance position relative to the housing so that a path isformed for the serpentine flow of fluid from the inlet to the outlet. 6.The electrolytic cell of claim 5 wherein the first end cap definesgrooves for receiving electrolytic plates and the second end cap definesgrooves for receiving alternate electrolytic plates so that eachelectrolytic plate is fitted within the grooves defined by the top plateand one end cap.
 7. The electrolytic cell of claim 2 wherein the topplate and the bottom plate each define two sets of grooves for receivingthe electrolytic plates, the first set of grooves extending from thefirst end cap to a point distal from the second end cap, the second setof grooves extending from the second end cap to a point distal from thefirst end cap, the grooves of the first set alternately aligned with thegrooves of the second set, the electrolytic plates friction-fittedwithin grooves in the top plate and the bottom plate so that one edge ofeach electrolytic plate is in a clearance position relative to thehousing to form a path for the serpentine flow of fluid from the inletto the outlet.
 8. The electrolytic cell of claim 7 wherein the first endcap defines grooves for receiving electrolytic plates and the second endcap defines grooves for receiving alternate electrolytic plates so thateach electrolytic plate is friction-fitted within the grooves defined bythe top plate, the bottom plate and one end cap to form a seal.
 9. Theelectrolytic cell of claim 7 wherein the electrolytic plates areslidable within the grooves for removal from housing.
 10. Theelectrolytic cell of claim 1 wherein the first end cap comprises slots,the anode comprises an anode terminal tab and the cathode comprises acathode terminal tab, the terminal tabs extending external to thehousing through the slots of the first end cap.
 11. The electrolyticcell of claim 10 wherein the size of the anode terminal tab is differentfrom the size of the cathode terminal tab and the slots are sizedcorresponding to the size of the respective tab.
 12. The electrolyticcell of claim 10 further comprising positive and negative wires betweenthe power source and the anode and cathode, the wires in direct contactwith the corresponding anode tab and cathode tab.
 13. The electrolyticcell of claim 1 wherein each electrolytic plate comprising a front sideand a back side so that the path of fluid includes the flow of fluidover each side of the electrolytic plate.
 14. The electrolytic cell ofclaim 1 wherein at least 95% of surface area of each electrolytic plateis in contact with the fluid.
 15. The electrolytic cell of claim 1wherein the height is within a range of about 4 inches to about 15inches, the width is within a range of about 4 inches to about 15 inchesand the length is within a range of about 10 inches to about 25 inches.16. The electrolytic cell of claim 15 wherein height is within a rangeof about 6 inches to about 8 inches, the width is within a range ofabout 6 inches to about 8 inches and the length is within a range ofabout 10 inches to about 14 inches.
 17. An electrolytic cell for fluiddisinfection, the electrolytic cell comprising: a housing comprising abottom plate, a top plate, a first end cap, a second end cap, a firstside plate and a second side plate, the first side plate defining aninlet and the second side plate defining an outlet to allow the flow offluid through the housing,; an anode positioned within the housing; acathode positioned within the housing, the cathode distal from theanode; one or more bipolar electrolytic plates positioned between theanode and cathode, each electrolytic plate comprising four edges, threeof the four edges securely fitted within the housing to form seals withthe housing, the fourth edge in a clearance position relative to thehousing to form a path for the serpentine flow of fluid therethrough;the bottom plate defining two sets of grooves for receiving theelectrolytic plates, the first set of grooves extending from the firstend cap to a point distal from the second end cap, the second set ofgrooves extending from the second end cap to a point distal from thefirst end cap, the grooves of the first set alternately aligned with thegrooves of the second set, the electrolytic plates friction-fittedwithin grooves in the bottom plate and each electrolytic plate in aclearance position relative to the housing so that a path is formed forthe serpentine flow of fluid from the inlet to the outlet; and a powersource connected to the anode and the cathode.
 18. The electrolytic cellof claim 17 wherein the first end cap defines grooves for receivingelectrolytic plates and the second end cap defines grooves for receivingalternate electrolytic plates so that each electrolytic plate is fittedwithin the grooves defined by the bottom plate and one end cap.
 19. Anelectrolytic cell comprising: a housing having an inlet and an outlet toallow the flow of fluid through the housing, the housing comprising abottom plate, a top plate, a first end cap, a second end cap, a firstside plate and a second side plate, the first side plate defining aninlet and the second side plate defining an outlet; an anode positionedwithin the housing; a cathode positioned within the housing, the cathodedistal from the anode; one or more bipolar electrolytic platespositioned between the anode and cathode, each electrolytic platecomprising four edges, three of the four edges securely fitted withinthe housing to form seals with the housing, the fourth edge in aclearance position relative to the housing to form a path for theserpentine flow of fluid therethrough; the top plate defining two setsof grooves for receiving the electrolytic plates, the first set ofgrooves extending from the first end cap to a point distal from thesecond end cap, the second set of grooves extending from the second endcap to a point distal from the first end cap, the grooves of the firstset alternately aligned with the grooves of the second set, theelectrolytic plates friction-fitted within grooves in the top plate andeach electrolytic plate in a clearance position relative to the housingso that a path is formed for the serpentine flow of fluid from the inletto the outlet; and a power source connected to the anode and thecathode.
 20. The electrolytic cell of claim 19 wherein the first end capdefines grooves for receiving electrolytic plates and the second end capdefines grooves for receiving alternate electrolytic plates so that eachelectrolytic plate is fitted within the grooves defined by the top plateand one end cap.
 21. An electrolytic cell comprising: a housing havingan inlet and an outlet to allow the flow of fluid through the housing,the housing comprising a bottom plate, a top plate, a first end cap, asecond end cap, a first side plate and a second side plate, the firstside plate defining an inlet and the second side plate defining anoutlet; an anode positioned within the housing; a cathode positionedwithin the housing, the cathode distal from the anode; one or morebipolar electrolytic plates positioned between the anode and cathode,each electrolytic plate comprising four edges, three of the four edgessecurely fitted within the housing to form seals with the housing, thefourth edge in a clearance position relative to the housing to form apath for the serpentine flow of fluid therethrough; the top plate andthe bottom plate each defining two sets of grooves for receiving theelectrolytic plates, the first set of grooves extending from the firstend cap to a point distal from the second end cap, the second set ofgrooves extending from the second end cap to a point distal from thefirst end cap, the grooves of the first set alternately aligned with thegrooves of the second set, the electrolytic plates friction-fittedwithin grooves in the top plate and the bottom plate so that one edge ofeach electrolytic plate is in a clearance position relative to thehousing to form a path for the serpentine flow of fluid from the inletto the outlet; and a power source connected to the anode and thecathode.
 22. The electrolytic cell of claim 21 wherein the first end capdefines grooves for receiving electrolytic plates and the second end capdefines grooves for receiving alternate electrolytic plates so that eachelectrolytic plate is friction-fitted within the grooves defined by thetop plate, the bottom plate and one end cap to form a seal.
 23. Theelectrolytic cell of claim 22 wherein the electrolytic plates areslidable within the grooves for removal from housing.
 24. Theelectrolytic cell of claim 22 wherein the anode comprises an anodeterminal tab and the cathode comprises a cathode terminal tab forattachment to the power source, the terminal tabs extending external tothe housing, the first end cap comprising at least two slots forreceiving the anode terminal tab and the cathode terminal tab.
 25. Theelectrolytic cell of claim 24 wherein the size of the anode terminal tabis different from the size of the cathode terminal tab and the slots aresized corresponding to the size of the tabs.
 26. The electrolytic cellof claim 24 further comprising positive and negative wires between thepower source and the anode and cathode, the wires in direct contact withthe corresponding anode tab and cathode tab.
 27. The electrolytic cellof claim 21 wherein each electrolytic plate comprising a front side anda back side so that the path of fluid includes the flow of fluid overeach side of the electrolytic plate.
 28. The electrolytic cell of claim21 wherein at least 95% of surface area of each electrolytic plate is incontact with the fluid.
 29. The electrolytic cell of claim 21 whereinthe height is within a range of about 4 inches to about 15 inches, thewidth is within a range of about 4 inches to about 15 inches and thelength is within a range of about 10 inches to about 25 inches.
 30. Theelectrolytic cell of claim 21 wherein height is within a range of about6 inches to about 8 inches, the width is within a range of about 6inches to about 8 inches and the length is within a range of about 10inches to about 14 inches.
 31. An electrolytic cell comprising: ahousing having an inlet and an outlet to allow the flow of fluid throughthe housing, the housing comprising a bottom plate, a top plate, a firstend cap, a second end cap, a first side plate and a second side plate,the first side plate defining an inlet and the second side platedefining an outlet; an anode positioned within the housing; a cathodepositioned within the housing, the cathode distal from the anode; one ormore bipolar electrolytic plates positioned between the anode andcathode, each electrolytic plate comprising four edges, three of thefour edges securely fitted within the housing to form seals with thehousing, the fourth edge in a clearance position relative to the housingto form a path for the serpentine flow of fluid therethrough; the topplate and the bottom plate each defining two sets of grooves forreceiving the electrolytic plates, the first set of grooves extendingfrom the first end cap to a point distal from the second end cap, thesecond set of grooves extending from the second end cap to a pointdistal from the first end cap, the grooves of the first set alternatelyaligned with the grooves of the second set, the electrolytic platesslide-ably friction-fitted within grooves in the top plate and thebottom plate so that one edge of each electrolytic plate is in aclearance position relative to the housing to form a path for theserpentine flow of fluid from the inlet to the outlet; a power sourceconnected to the anode and the cathode; the anode comprising an anodeterminal tab and the cathode comprising a cathode terminal tab forattachment to the power source.
 32. The electrolytic cell of claim 31wherein the first end cap defines grooves for receiving electrolyticplates and the second end cap defines grooves for receiving alternateelectrolytic plates so that each electrolytic plate is slide-ablyfriction-fitted within the grooves defined by the top plate, the bottomplate and one end cap to form a seal.
 33. The electrolytic cell of claim31 wherein the size of the anode terminal tab is different from the sizeof the cathode terminal tab.
 34. The electrolytic cell of claim 31wherein the first end cap defines at least two slots for receiving theanode terminal tab and the cathode terminal tab, the slots sized so thatthe corresponding terminal tab is sealingly fitted within the slot. 35.The electrolytic cell of claim 31 further comprising positive andnegative wires between the power source and the anode and cathode, thewires in direct contact with the corresponding anode tab and cathodetab.
 36. The electrolytic cell of claim 31 wherein each side platedefines two or more ports into the housing, the ports adapted to receivetest instrumentation and piping connections.
 37. An electrolytic cellfor disinfection of sewage, the cell comprising: a housing having aninlet and an outlet adapted to allow the flow of sewage and brine fluidsthrough the housing for disinfection, the housing comprising a bottomplate, a top plate, a first end cap, a second end cap, a first sideplate and a second side plate, the first side plate defining an inletand the second side plate defining an outlet; an anode positioned withinthe housing; a cathode positioned within the housing, the cathode distalfrom the anode; one or more bipolar electrolytic plates positionedbetween the anode and cathode, each electrolytic plate comprising fouredges, three of the four edges securely fitted within the housing toform seals with the housing, the fourth edge in a clearance positionrelative to the housing to form a path for the serpentine flow of fluidstherethrough; the top plate and the bottom plate each defining two setsof grooves for receiving the electrolytic plates, the first set ofgrooves extending from the first end cap to a point distal from thesecond end cap, the second set of grooves extending from the second endcap to a point distal from the first end cap, the grooves of the firstset alternately aligned with the grooves of the second set, theelectrolytic plates friction-fitted within grooves in the top plate andthe bottom plate so that one edge of each electrolytic plate is in aclearance position relative to the housing to form a path for theserpentine flow of fluids from the inlet to the outlet; and a powersource connected to the anode and the cathode.
 38. The electrolytic cellof claim 37 wherein the first end cap defines grooves for receivingelectrolytic plates and the second end cap defines grooves for receivingalternate electrolytic plates so that each electrolytic plate isfriction-fitted within the grooves defined by the top plate, the bottomplate and one end cap to form a seal.
 39. The electrolytic cell of claim37 wherein the electrolytic plates are slidable within the grooves forremoval from housing.
 40. The electrolytic cell of claim 37 wherein theanode comprises an anode terminal tab and the cathode comprises acathode terminal tab for attachment to the power source, the terminaltabs extending external to the housing, the first end cap comprising atleast two slots for receiving the anode terminal tab and the cathodeterminal tab.
 41. The electrolytic cell of claim 37 further comprisingpositive and negative wires between the power source and the anode andcathode, the wires in direct contact with the corresponding anode taband cathode tab.
 42. The electrolytic cell of claim 37 wherein eachelectrolytic plate comprising a front side and a back side so that thepath of fluid includes the flow of fluid over each side of theelectrolytic plate and at least 95% of surface area of each electrolyticplate is in contact with the fluids.
 43. The electrolytic cell of claim37 wherein the height is within a range of about 4 inches to about 15inches, the width is within a range of about 4 inches to about 15 inchesand the length is within a range of about 10 inches to about 25 inches.44. The electrolytic cell of claim 43 wherein height is within a rangeof about 6 inches to about 8 inches, the width is within a range ofabout 6 inches to about 8 inches and the length is within a range ofabout 10 inches to about 14 inches.